Fast start at WIN Stadium

England burst out of the blocks in Wollongong on Friday, scoring four tries in the first 21 minutes on their way to a 34-12 Rugby League World Cup win over Papua New Guinea. Matty Ashton, AJ Brimson, Dom Young and Harry Smith all crossed early as George Williams' men chased the huge points margin they needed.

The rest of the first half proved frustrating, with nine errors limiting England to two further points from a Hugo Savala penalty goal in the 40th minute. They still led 24-0 at the break.

PNG hit back after the break

Papua New Guinea refused to fold. Dudley Dotoi out-jumped Young to crash over in the 45th minute, and livewire five-eighth Gairo Voro then exploded through a gap from 10 metres out, with Rhyse Martin's conversion cutting the lead to 24-12.

Morgan Knowles stretched England's margin in the 69th minute before Mikey Lewis scooted into the left-hand corner in the dying seconds to complete the 34-12 scoreline.

A win that may not be enough

England finished with 20 errors, a tally that ended any hope of the big score they required. Ashton still impressed with 161 run metres and five tackle breaks, while centre Herbie Farnworth made 13 tackle breaks. For PNG, Kumuls legend Martin signed off his international career with 130 run metres and 37 tackles.

The 22-point margin means England now need Tonga to beat Samoa by 47 points in Sunday's match at CommBank Stadium to reach the semi-finals — a scenario the NRL's own report called simply unimaginable. The win therefore ends the campaign for both sides in all but name.

Sources: NRL.com (https://www.nrl.com/news/2026/10/30/sloppy-win-leaves-england-needing-a-miracle/); Sky Sports (https://www.skysports.com/rugby-league/news/13598071/rugby-league-world-cup-2026-schedule-dates-format-results-from-mens-womens-and-wheelchair-tournaments).